Which of the following is a likely consequence of a buffer overflow attack on a web server?

A buffer overflow attack occurs when a web server writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, which can lead to unintended overwriting of adjacent memory locations. This exploitation of memory management vulnerabilities can result in the attacker gaining unauthorized access to data stored on the server or executing arbitrary code.

The likely consequence of a buffer overflow is unauthorized data access. This can enable attackers to manipulate the server’s operations, potentially accessing sensitive data, altering system files, or even taking full control of the server. This threat highlights the importance of memory safety in programming and the need for secure coding practices to prevent such vulnerabilities.

In contrast, the other options such as increased website traffic, enhanced system performance, and improved security protocols do not correlate with the outcomes of a buffer overflow attack. A buffer overflow typically leads to negative outcomes for both the affected web server and its users, making unauthorized data access the most relevant consequence of such an attack.